U.S. 63 accident injures three, damages cars

COLUMBIA — Three people were injured in an early morning car crash on U.S. 63, near Interstate 70.

At about 1:30 a.m. Thursday, a 2005 Hyundai Tiburon driven by Devon Ashcraft, 23, of Columbia, collided with a 2006 Oldsmobile Alero, driven by Lawrence Betts, 36, also of Columbia, according to a news release from the Columbia Police Department.

Preliminary evidence indicated the Tiburon was driving north in a southbound lane, according to the news release. Alcohol impairment is also suspected to have contributed to the crash, according to the release.

Both vehicles sustained heavy front end damage, according to the release.

Ashcraft, who was driving alone, was in serious condition at University Hospital at the time of the release. Betts was in good condition at University Hospital and the one passenger in his car, Jessica Stephens, 29, of Columbia, was in serious condition at University Hospital, at the time of the release.

It is unknown if anyone involved was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the release.